Legislative Council polls in four States: why only six States have a second chamber

Council polls: what happened?

Not every adult can vote in these elections. In graduates’ and teachers’ seats, your degree or your job decides whether you are a voter.

• 23 Oct 2026: elections to 28 seats in the Councils of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka; results on Tuesday.
• Parties treat these polls as a barometer of support among educated groups and professionals.
• The polls are not fought on party symbols, but parties back candidates.
• In Tamil Nadu, the Council was abolished in 1986 and its revival has been debated since.

What is a Legislative Council?

• The upper House of a State legislature, also called the Vidhan Parishad.
• Origins: the Government of India Act, 1935 set up two-House legislatures in provinces; Bengal’s Council first met in 1937.
• Like the Rajya Sabha, it is a permanent House; one-third of members retire every two years.
• In the Constituent Assembly, some saw it as a check by wise heads; others as a burden on public money.

How does it compare with the Rajya Sabha?

What does the Constitution say?

• Article 168: a State legislature has the Governor and one or two Houses.
• Article 169: Parliament may create or abolish a Council by law if the Assembly passes a resolution by a majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting; this is not a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
• Article 171: size not more than one-third of MLAs and not less than 40; one-third by local bodies, one-twelfth by graduates, one-twelfth by teachers, one-third by MLAs, the rest nominated by the Governor.
• Elections use proportional representation by single transferable vote.

What are the challenges?

• Seen as a parking place for leaders who lose direct elections.
• It can only delay, not stop, Assembly bills, so its value is questioned.
• Extra cost to the State exchequer.
• Creation or abolition swings with the ruling party’s politics.

What should be done?

• A national policy on when States should have Councils, as a parliamentary committee has suggested.
• Fill nominated seats with real experts in literature, science, art and social service.
• Use Councils for detailed committee scrutiny of bills.
• Clean graduates’ and teachers’ electoral rolls regularly.

What can Prelims ask on Legislative Councils?

• Six States: UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
• Article 169: special majority in the Assembly, then a law by Parliament.
• Article 171: graduates and teachers each elect one-twelfth.
• Teachers must have taught for three years in institutions not lower than secondary school.
• Members serve six years; the House is never dissolved.

How to write about Legislative Councils in Mains

Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): ‘Legislative Councils are neither necessary nor sufficient for better law-making in the States.’ Critically examine. (GS-II)

• Intro: October 2026 polls; only six States have Councils.
• Body 1: arguments for: second look, expert voice, check on haste.
• Body 2: arguments against: limited powers, cost, political parking.
• Body 3: Article 169 politics: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
• Conclusion: national policy and stronger committee role.